Ellon Thistle v Alford

Division Two North

Ellon Thistle returned to league duty on Saturday when third placed Alford were the visitors. Five different players found the net in a comprehensive victory that also saw the home side record back to back clean sheets for the first time since Noah built the Ark.

Ibiza revellers Keith Reid, Mark Kennedy and Neale Henderson were all absent while Mark Cockburn made his first start of the season after recovering from a knee injury. Martin Rennie also returned to the first eleven and took his place at the heart of the defence.

Thistle started promisingly and deservedly went in front through full back David Anderson. Mark Cockburn rescued a ball that looked to be heading out for a goal kick and crossed for Anderson to strike from close range.

Man of the match Callum Duncan was the stand out Thistle performer and despite his second touch often being a tackle, the midfield reducer could easily have bagged a couple of rare goals to cap a fine performance in the centre of the park.

Not for the first time this season, the shot-shy Jags could have had the game wrapped up by the interval but instead they ended the first period with a slender one goal advantage.

The second goal would prove crucial in determining the outcome of this fixture. Fortunately, it came the way of the home side thanks to good work on the right from Martyn Duncan. The skipper was making his first appearance of the season having replaced Mark Cockburn and his cross was smashed home by Cammy Davidson. The visitors were incensed at the referee and Thistle's touchline flag bearer Allan Giles as they believed the ball had gone out of play in the build up to the goal.

Duncan was involved again in an incident that saw Alford reduced to ten men after a clash in the middle of the park. The pocket-sized midfielder is not unknown for being the instigator in an opponent's dismissal but on this occasion he was on the end of an unfair challenge.

To complete an eventful few minutes for Duncan, he added the third Ellon goal after he ensured Cammy Davidson’s goal bound effort found the back of the net.

Supersub Ben Drummond replaced Steven Beaton and just as he did in the victory against Northern United, he scored within minutes of coming on. Jamie McNeil’s effort was spilled by the Alford goalkeeper and Drummond was on hand to slot into a gaping net.

The visitors had rolled over like a dog getting its belly tickled even before McNeil added the fifth and final goal in an impressive victory that sees The Jags unbeaten in four at Fortress Meadows.

Final Score: Ellon Thistle 5 Alford 0

Ellon Thistle: Adamson, Gillan, Anderson, Alexander, Rennie, Stephen Cruickshanks, Cockburn (M. Duncan), C. Duncan, Beaton (Drummond), Davidson (Simon Cruickshanks), McNeil. Subs not used: Giles.

Man of the Match: Callum Duncan

Picture: Stephen Cruickshanks battles for possession against Alford as Greg Gillan looks on.